Archive · 21 Jul 2026
UN Report: Criminal Groups Expand Globally Using Technology
A UN report says that criminal groups in Southeast Asia are using new technologies like AI and encrypted communications to expand their illegal activities.
These groups are involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams, causing huge financial losses and harming children.
The report highlights the need for global cooperation to fight these crimes.
Criminals are using advanced tools to target victims worldwide, and law enforcement needs to work together across borders to stop them.
Southeast Asia-based criminal groups are using technology to expand globally, causing estimated losses of $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025 from scams alone.
Criminals use AI, deepfakes, and encrypted communications for money laundering, sexual extortion, and exploitation.
Children are at risk from AI-generated child sexual images and online gaming, with hundreds of scam compounds in Southeast Asia.
Illicit drug sales in Southeast Asia and nearby countries are estimated at up to $109 billion annually.
The Sulu-Celebes maritime triangle is a key corridor for cocaine shipments from Latin America to Asia.
- Who
- Southeast Asia-based criminal groups, UNODC, law enforcement agencies
- What
- Expansion of criminal activities using technology, impact on children, illicit drug trade
- When
- Report released Tuesday
- Where
- Southeast Asia, with global reach
- Why
- To highlight the growing threat of transnational crime and the need for coordinated efforts to combat it
Law Enforcement
Criminal Groups
Use of Technology
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement advocates for coordinated, cross-border strategies to combat criminal use of technology.
Criminal Groups
Criminal groups leverage advanced technologies like AI, deepfakes, and encrypted communications to expand their operations.
Impact on Children
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement aims to protect children from online exploitation and trafficking.
Criminal Groups
Criminal groups exploit children through AI-generated content, online gaming, and trafficking.
- Estimated Losses from Scams
- $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025
- Illicit Drug Sales
- Up to $109 billion annually in Southeast Asia and nearby countries
- Major Seizure
- 3 tons of methamphetamine, ketamine, and ecstasy in Malaysia's Sabah
- Key Corridor
- Sulu-Celebes maritime triangle for cocaine shipments
- Source of Cannabis
- Thailand and Vietnam to Japan and Europe
